Future Bioethics: Overcoming Taboos, Myths, and Dogmasfew areas of public policy have been fraught with as much controversy as bioethics. Each novel development in biomedical technology seems to spark rancorous disputes. Those averse to new technologies often express the concern that the new technology is 'unnatural' or requires us to 'play God'. Slogans such as 'Frankenfoods' and 'sanctity of life' substitute for reasoned argument. This is an ambitious book that seeks to reframe the debates surrounding current controversies in bioethics. Carefully examining and dissecting claims made by many policy-makers and ethicists on topics such as assistance in dying, genetic engineering, and embryonic stem cell research, bioethicist Ronald A Lindsay shows that all too often these claims are based on instinctive reactions, beliefs that lack factual support, and religious or ideological dogma. After describing in detail the proper way to approach and resolve a dispute in bioethics, Lindsay proceeds to analyse several different cutting-edge issues. Through his insightful analysis, Lindsay demonstrates how to achieve pragmatic, progressive solutions to these controversies. An antidote for misguided thinking, "Future Bioethics" illuminates the way forward to bioethics policies appropriate for the 21st century. |
Other editions - View all
Common terms and phrases
ability accepted accessed October adult allow animals argued assistance in dying Assisted Suicide believe benefits Bioethics biotech Bt corn capacities choices claim conscience conscientious objection consider Council on Bioethics death decisions depression discussed disparate impact drug effects embryo embryonic stem cell Ethics euthanasia example fact federal fetal funding gene flow genetic enhancements genetically engineered food genetically engineered plants Golden Rice harm Health healthcare workers Human Embryo human person Ibid ical individuals institutions iPS cells issue Journal Kass killing Mehlman ment moral community moral norms moral status Moreover Nonetheless nurses ODWDA opponents opposed Oregon organic farming organic food patient pharmacist physician assistance pluripotent potential precautionary principle procedure produce prohibit reason refuse to provide regulation religious request assistance result risk sanctity-of-life principle Sandel social someone stem cell lines stem cell research terminally ill therapies tion traits treatment twin York